Explain how stress may impact food consumption.

Answer:

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Experiencing stress may cause people to increase the amount of food they consume. Individuals have a tendency to crave specific foods when tense or depressed, so stress may increase a craving for carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are believed to increase serotonin, which is responsible for producing calming effects on the body. Therefore, an increase in stress may lead the body to crave food that will produce calming effects.